Jordanian soldier killed at Syrian border

(Vatican Radio) A Jordanian soldier was killed Monday in clashes with armed militants trying to cross the border into Syria as the Arab League downplayed chances for a truce during this week's Eid al-Adha holiday. Jordan's information minister said the soldier was the first member of the country's military to be killed in violence related to Syria's civil war.

He died in clashes with Islamist fighters attempting to illegally enter Syria to join rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Meanwhile, Arab League Deputy Secretary-General Ahmed Ben Helli said hopes of a truce being implemented in Syria during this week's Eid holidays are "slim."

Mr. Brahimi says he spoke with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad about this initiative when he met him on Sunday.

"It is a personal initiative and a call for every man and woman in Syria whether theyre individuals in the streets or villages and the fields or armed persons in the army or the opponents of the Syrian state. It's an appeal to all of them to stop unilaterally, when everyone takes unilateral decision, it will be a collective decision," he said.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report: